1954 Chrysler Windsor: Starter turns but doesn't engage

[Arun Nella]

Tried starting the car for the first time after a brutal winter. I hear the starter turning but doesn't crank. The the starter turns, its telling me that the solenoid is getting picked up but the pinion gear isn't engaging.

 

Is it possible that the starter pinion gear is "stuck" from the Chicago winter? Any way to try to free it up?

 

Or the solenoid plunger is broken or something? I hope not!

 

All sort of thoughts on this is appreciated.

[plymouthcranbrook]

Broken Bendix spring on the starter?

[Rusty_OToole]

Take the starter off and inspect and lubricate the drive. This happens on a lot of old cars that are out of commission. A shot of WD40 and work it back and forth by hand a couple of times and should be good as new.

[Arun Nella]

Solved. Removed starter and learnt that solenoid was shot! Found and retrofitted another solenoid. Now starting like a champ!

[skyler]

the bolt close to the block. any secret for easy removal?   dennis

[Guest]

https://www.google.com/search?q=starter+wrench&rlz=1C1CHBF_enCA819CA819&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjskaKE17fiAhWEop4KHSnNBsQQ_AUIDigB&biw=1366&bih=625

[skyler]

thanks for the wrench site. so many wrenches, not enough time. one of those would make the job easy and less time consuming. I think the starter bolt is 5/8 but will check and then put a starter wrench in my arsenal.  capt den